House Democrats want U.S. to jointly build new EV, broadband infrastructure
2022.08.05 19:06
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks to reporters after the weekly senate party caucus luncheons at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., June 14, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A group of 10 U.S. House Democrats asked the Biden administration on Friday to use funding to build out broadband internet and electric vehicle charging infrastructure simultaneously.
Congress as part of the $1 trillion infrastructure law approved in November 2021 set aside $42.45 billion in grants to expand broadband, including building fiber or other networks and $5 billion for EV charging. The lawmakers led by Representatives Doris Matsui and Anna Eshoo urged officials to coordinate broadband and EV charging infrastructure efforts to encourage “co-location” of EV and broadband, especially in underserved areas “This approach can address multiple national priorities simultaneously and avoid duplicative efforts,” the lawmakers wrote.